If I had it to do over again …

Have you ever wondered what you’d do for a living if you hadn’t followed the career path you did?  It’s not something I’ve ever really dwelled on.  Probably because from the time I was a kid in school I wanted to work in advertising.  Which I did, successfully.

Worked for some of the best and biggest agencies in the world, on the bluest of blue chip brands.  Learned from and worked with and for some of the brightest, most talented folks out there; and I’ve won more than my fair share of awards over the years, as if the thrill of doing the work wasn’t enough.

So why wonder what else I might have done.

Except sometimes I do.  Not that I have any regrets, so don’t start going down that road, ya

Day 345. A Byline

My friend, Marilyn, is probably the only person, outside of myself, who knows what I’m about to tell you.  Not that there’s any reason for it to be a deep, dark secret.  It’s just something I’ve never talked about, before.

Have no idea why, either.

And the only reason I’m mentioning it now is, because of a recent WordPress Daily Prompt:  “If one experience or life change results from you writing your blog, what would you like it to be?”

I don’t even have to think about it.

You all know I’ve spent my career in advertising.  As a copywriter and creative director.  It’s what I always wanted to do, from the time I was a very young girl.  I’ve worked for some of the largest agencies in the world, on some of the best brands.  And I’ve had a fabulous career.

No complaints.

But outside of the industry, I’ve not been taken seriously, as a writer.  None of us are.  It’s not really a reflection

Day 312. For Shame!

For a Canadian, I spend a fair amount of time commenting on American politics; and what I think could use some improvement. So I decided it was time I turned my attention, and criticism, a little closer to home. As in right here, in my own back yard.

God knows we’ve got enough crap going on in the land of the maple leaf (and the fleur de lys) to cause us all to wring our hands, hang our heads in shame and scream our bloody heads off.

Which would be a typically unCanadian reaction, by the way. We’re known as “those polite folks to the North”. You know the type. We wouldn’t say “shit” if we had a mouthful. Not me, of course. I’ve never been shy about expressing my opinion. Making my feelings known. But as a general rule, we tend to just sit there and suffer in silence. Take one for the gipper.

Not today, though.

Let’s go to Ottawa where four Senators (that we know of) have been fudging their expenses. Living high off the

Day 109. Telling Stories

I just can’t let “W” go by, without talking about how much I love writing. I have, ever since I was in grade school. English was my best subject, all the way through, from my very first class to the day I graduated. Both literature and composition. I have been telling stories my whole life.

So how lucky am I that I not only get to do what I love, but I also get paid for it.

When I write, I lose track of time. It could be ten in the morning. It could be ten at night. Sometimes I don’t even stop to eat. I am that engrossed in what I’m doing. I’m unaware of what anyone else is doing. Or saying. Or even if they’re talking to me. It’s like I’m in a trance. A world of my own. I find it very peaceful. Calm. It’s almost like a meditation. I don’t know how else to explain it.

Now to be completely honest, sometimes I don’t look forward to getting started. Some days I’m just not in the mood. And so I might procrastinate a little. But I have never missed a deadline, so I put if off for only so long. And I’m the same way with my blog. I know I have to publish a new post every day, and there is no way I am going to miss one.

Because being a good writer, a successful writer, is as much about discipline, as it is about talent. I take the writing I do for

Day 82. Hush Now

Honestly, I can’t take it any more. You cannot open a newspaper, or watch television, without being absolutely bombarded with political opinions. The pundits are dissecting every word, every nuance, every stance, every plan, every wink, every blink, every smile, every frown, every step, every misstep, every platform, every remark (snide and otherwise), every criticism, every accusation that is coming out of anyone’s mouth.

They’re commenting on the opinions of other pundits, other networks, former politicos, the candidates, members of congress, celebrities and businessmen and women. They’re even commenting on what Mr. and Mrs. average American citizen is saying, as they’re interviewed coming out of malls and movie theatres and parking lots.

No wonder people are confused. How are you supposed to think with all that noise?

This is not my country, I’m talking about. It’s not my election. Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are not my candidates. I can’t vote. But I do vote here, in Canada. So this I know.